Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers Recipe

These Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers are a game-changer for your dinner rotation! Succulent shrimp absorb a rich, flavorful marinade of butter, soy sauce, lime, and ginger before hitting the grill for that perfect char. Ready in minutes once marinated, they’re ideal for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the fuss. The combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors creates an irresistible dish that works beautifully as both a main course or crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cooking Time: Once marinated, these skewers cook up in just 6-8 minutes total – perfect for those evenings when you’re hungry and don’t want to wait!
• Impressive Presentation: There’s something about food on sticks that just looks fancy! These skewers plate beautifully with minimal effort.
• Versatile Serving Options: Works equally well as a stand-alone entrée with sides or as an appetizer for gatherings.
• Flavor-Packed: The marinade infuses the shrimp with layers of complex Asian-inspired flavors that taste like they took hours to develop.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand, making this an easy option without a special shopping trip.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Butter: Creates a luscious base for the marinade that helps the flavors cling to the shrimp while adding richness.
• Soy Sauce: Provides that essential umami and salty flavor that penetrates the shrimp beautifully.
• Lime Juice: Fresh squeezed adds brightness and acidity that balances the rich butter and soy sauce. Don’t use bottled if possible!
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger brings warmth and that distinctive Asian-inspired zing that makes these skewers special.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds depth and pungency – fundamental to this marinade’s character.
• Sugar: Balances all the savory elements and helps create gorgeous caramelization on the grill.
• Scallions: Adds a mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast both in the marinade and as garnish.
• Shrimp: Large shrimp work best as they maintain their juiciness on the grill. Make sure they’re shelled and deveined to save prep time.

Variations

Spice It Up

Add a teaspoon of sriracha or sambal oelek to the marinade for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors.

Citrus Swap

Replace lime juice with lemon or orange juice for a different citrus profile that still complements the Asian flavors.

Herb Additions

Throw in some chopped cilantro or Thai basil to the finished dish for a fresh, herbal dimension.

Pineapple Pairing

Alternate shrimp with chunks of fresh pineapple on the skewers for a tropical twist that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Sesame Finish

Add a tablespoon of sesame oil to the marinade and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving for a nutty finish.

How to Make Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Combine butter, soy sauce, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sugar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat, stir in sliced scallions, and allow to cool completely to room temperature.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Place your shrimp in a zip-top bag or covered bowl with the cooled marinade. Refrigerate for 3-5 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the shrimp. Avoid marinating longer than 5 hours as the lime juice can start to “cook” the shrimp.

Step 3: Skewer and Prep

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers, reserving the marinade. Return the marinade to the saucepan, bring to a simmer for one minute to make it food-safe for basting.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to high heat and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. Place shrimp skewers on the hot grill and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a nice char. Baste with the heated marinade every few minutes during grilling.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove skewers from the grill, garnish with additional sliced scallions, and serve immediately with the remaining heated marinade as a dipping sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cook incredibly quickly and can go from perfect to rubbery in seconds. They’re done when they turn opaque and pink with a slight char.
• Even Sizing: Try to select shrimp of uniform size so they cook at the same rate on your skewers.
• Double Skewer: For easier flipping on the grill, use two parallel skewers per row of shrimp to prevent them from spinning.
• Marinade Management: Reserve and heat the marinade properly before using it as a basting liquid or dipping sauce to ensure food safety.
• Room Temperature: Take the shrimp out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before grilling to help them cook more evenly.

How to Serve

Complete Meal Ideas

Serve these flavorful skewers over a bed of coconut lime rice with a side of grilled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal that comes together quickly.

Appetizer Presentation

Remove shrimp from skewers and arrange on a platter with toothpicks and small bowls of the heated marinade for dipping. Add lime wedges for an extra squeeze of brightness.

Complementary Sides

These shrimp pair beautifully with Asian slaw, cold sesame noodles, or a simple green salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil.

Drink Pairings

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Asian beer complements these skewers perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, try a ginger limeade or iced green tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Marinade Prep

The marinade can be made up to 2 days ahead and kept refrigerated until needed, making dinner prep even faster.

Storing Leftovers

Cooked shrimp skewers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh off the grill.

Reheating Tips

Gently warm leftover shrimp in a skillet with a splash of water over low heat just until warmed through to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, enjoy them cold in a salad!

Freezing

While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the shrimp changes significantly. If you must freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I cook these shrimp skewers in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through and basting with the marinade. You won’t get the same char as the grill, but they’ll still be delicious.

What size shrimp works best for this recipe?
Large shrimp (31-35 per pound) or extra-large shrimp (26-30 per pound) work best for skewers as they’re substantial enough to withstand grilling without overcooking. Avoid smaller sizes as they cook too quickly and can become tough.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! In fact, frozen shrimp often have better quality than “fresh” shrimp at the seafood counter (which are typically previously frozen anyway). Just thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight, then pat dry before marinating for best flavor absorption.

Why shouldn’t I marinate the shrimp longer than 5 hours?
The acid in the lime juice begins to “cook” the shrimp in a process similar to ceviche if left too long. This changes the texture of the shrimp, making them tough before they even hit the grill. Stick to the 3-5 hour window for perfect results.

Final Thoughts

These Asian Marinated Grilled Shrimp Skewers bring restaurant-quality flavor to your backyard with minimal effort. The combination of butter, soy, lime, and ginger creates a marinade that transforms simple shrimp into something truly special. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself to a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner, these skewers deliver big on flavor while keeping things simple. Fire up the grill and give them a try – they might just become your new go-to for easy, flavorful cooking!

Print